Team

+ Neely (Dr Ryan R. Neely III) – Project Co-Lead

Affiliation: NCAS, University of Leeds

Email: r.neely@leeds.ac.uk

 

About:
Associate Prof of Observational Atmospheric Science
BA in Physics from North Carolina State University
PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science from the University of Colorado
Lead a research group of scientists and students in Leeds and UK that use novel remote sensing technology to observe “stuff” in the atmosphere
Worked from the South Pole to the North Pole and lots of places in between

 

Research interests:
Remote Sensing of Precipitation and the Boundary Layer
Mixed Phase Polar Clouds
Convective Clouds
Orographic Precipitation
Aeroecology (remote sensing of insects, birds, bats)
Electromagnetic Scattering
Making new sustainable observation systems
Utilising UAS for research

+ Sarah Barr – Project Co-Lead

Affiliation: NCAS, University of Leeds

Email: sarah.barr@ncas.ac.uk

 

About:
I am a Research Fellow in Polar Observational Meteorology. I am interested in using in-situ and remote sensing observations to study cloud and boundary layer processes in polar regions, with a particular focus on cloud microphysics. I have experience of ground, ship and airborne field campaigns, including in and around Greenland.

 

Research interests:
Mixed-phase polar clouds
Cloud microphysics
In-situ and remote sensing observations
Using UAS for atmospheric research
Instrument development

+ Heather Guy – Project Co-Lead

Affiliation: NCAS, University of Leeds

Email: heather.guy@ncas.ac.uk

 

About:
I am Research Fellow in polar observational meteorology at the University of Leeds / National Centre for Atmospheric Science. I have been maintaining instrumentation at Summit Station in Greenland for the last 6 years as part of the ICECAPS project. I also have experience doing fieldwork in high mountainous regions and on sea ice.

 

Research interests:
Ground-based remote sensing of the atmosphere
Atmospheric boundary layers in cold climates
Operating instrumentation in polar environments
Mixed-phase cloud physics

+ Michael Gallagher – Research Scientist

Affiliation: University of Colorado, CIRES, NOAA, NSIDC

Email: michael.gallagher@colorado.edu

 

About:
I am a scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder, affiliated with both NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory and the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
I work primarily on in situ observations, data processing, and analysis making “high quality” in situ observations in the Arctic sea ice pack and on the Greenland ice sheet. When not in the field, my research is generally focused on analysing and understanding detailed physical processes in the atmosphere and their connections to the broader Arctic climate system.

 

Research interests:
Arctic climate and global impacts as well as local-scale drivers of melt and their implications
Synoptics, energy budget, snowfall, moisture budgets, net Greenland mass balance, and microphysical processes such as cloud formation and boundary layer characteristics
In situ observation platforms/hardware, applications of machine learning algorithms, and software development for data processing

+ Alex Fearn – Engineer

Affiliation: NCAS, University of Leeds

Email: alex.fearn@ncas.ac.uk

 

About:
I am an electrical engineer at the University of Leeds and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
I have experience with the design of complex electro-mechanical systems for harsh environments.
I also have experience with large scale deployments of measurement equipment in challenging locations.

 

Research interests:
Electrical design, build and testing
Safety system design
Radar systems
Deployment logistics

+ Menapia – Subcontractor

Main contact: John Mooney

Email: info@menapia.tech or John@menapia.tech

Website: www.menapia.tech

 

About:

Menapia builds and operates autonomous drone systems for atmospheric research, specialising in weather drones (WxUAS) and network-scale observation. We partner with leading scientists and sensor developers to design, validate, and deploy advanced measurement systems. Our holistic, service-oriented approach ensures research aims are translated into robust, compliant, and field-ready operations — from single deployments to large-scale mesonets
Menapia combines expertise in sensing, robotics and aviation regulation to enable next-gen atmospheric observations using weather drones (WxUAS).
A micro-SME, currently 8 persons & hiring. Founded in 2020 by Brothers John & Peter Mooney. 100% founder/employee owned.
We support researchers via a Platform or Data as a Service model. Working holistically; understanding the scientific aims, before operationalizing a combination of technologies to enable them.

 

Specialism:
Multirotor drone engineering, regulations & operations:
High altitude flights into cloud/icing
Advanced flight control methods
Autonomous flight
Measurement system development, integration & validation
Economical large scale 3D Mesonets with WxUAS

+ Polar Field – Subcontractor

Main contact: Jessy Jenkins

Email: Jessy@polarfield.com

Website: www.polarfield.com

 

About: 
Polar Field is a leader in supporting science and technology in the field, specializing in Expedition Design & Consultation, Frontier Logistics, Extreme Climate Operations, and Field Technical Operations.

 

Specialism:
Project planning and management
Travel and fieldwork logistics
Risk and safety management
Field site planning and operations
Environmental Assessments and permitting

 

 

+ Amodo – Activation Partner

Main contact: Tom Milton

Email: tom.milton@amododesign.com or info@amododesign.com

Website: www.amododesign.com

 

About: 
Amodo is a forward-thinking engineering consultancy with a focus on projects that do good. We’re a rapidly growing and decorated startup that has quickly established a reputation for delivering fast, high-quality, advanced engineering projects. Whether a startup or a blue chip company we support you from first idea through to at-scale manufacture.

 

Specialism:

Mechanical engineering

Electronic and electrical engineering

Firmware and software engineering

Bioengineering

Physics

 

+ Harriett Richardson – Communications

Affiliation: NCAS

Email: harriett.richardson@ncas.ac.uk

 

About me:
I’m a communications specialist with a passion for bringing science and society together. I’m a dynamic facilitator, a driving force for collaborations, and an advocate for putting people at the heart of science stories.
I manage the Communications Team at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, ensuring communications run through all our work as a world-leader in atmospheric research and innovation.
I take a lead on communications strategy, visual identity, our digital engagement via websites and social media, news and explainer articles, marketing campaigns for training courses and events, engagement with staff, and sharing best practices.

 

Specialism:
Interpreting expert knowledge and practices
Ensuring conversations and decisions about environmental change are rooted in robust evidence
Supporting people to communicate in effective, accessible and inclusive ways
Reflecting the diversity of people, roles, and ideas within and beyond science e.g. by working with the arts